7up

Euro 7s. This is the third year we have entered a team and the whole thing is motoring along with scary efficiency.

The panel was picked by end of July. The hotel was booked. The flights refunded. With the exception of one or two injury withdrawals we appear in good shape.

Timmy played two years ago and we were talking about it on the way home in the car from training last night. We reckon that panel had 5 Hague lads and 4 Belgium lads. The quality was there but whatever way we dress it up, we probably aren't two clubs who are overly enamoured with eachother. Its funny enough looking back that we actually all agreed to it!! It was the first year though and the lads had to pull it together fairly last minute. It was hoped the familiarity would bring some benefit but we didn't click.

Last year, Shay (Euro Football Officer) who is also a referee on the 'circuit' pulled together a much more varied panel representing many clubs. On paper the team did not seem as strong but the chemistry was right from the off and we lost narrowly in the Shield final after an epic seven game run.

This year looks to be the strongest team yet but again but you can't read a whole lot into that. Guernsey, Stockholm and Hague are well represented whilst Belgium and Malmo complete the group.

The 7s game has grown on me and I'm looking forward to this weekend. Its one of the rare occassions I can just rock up and play ball without having to consider anything else.

The noon start time is also a welcome change. We played our first game at 9am last week!

Naturally there will be a few pints afterwards and it will be a good opportunity to catch up with the former Belgium contingent based in Dublin as well as the current players heading home for the All-Ireland.

Hopefully we will have a shiny medal to show off to them.